7-08-03

Barrett condemns Iceland whaling decision

John Barrett, Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today condemned the decision by Iceland to resume whaling.

Iceland's whaling commissioner announced that the country's 14 year ban on whaling would end this month with the killing of 38 minke whales, supposedly to study the mammals' impact on local fish stocks.  The whales which Iceland intends to kill are also believed to be visitors to the Scottish coast.

In a statement, John Barrett, who recently raised the issue of whaling in the House of Commons, commented:

"The decision by Iceland to resume whaling has now poisoned the progress that was made at the International Whaling Commission meeting, just over a month ago. 

"Many people thought the passing of new measures at that meeting, which expanded the role of the Commission in protecting whales and dolphins, marked a new era in marine conservation.  However, it is now clear that rogue states, like Iceland, seem held bent on ignoring the international consensus which was established.

"Iceland must recognise that they themselves have the most to lose from their decision.   Whale watching is now among Iceland's fastest growing industries but the £5 million it generates every year for the Icelandic economy has now been put in jeopardy.

"The idea that Iceland has chosen to end its 14 year ban on whaling for scientific study would almost be laughable if it wasn't so serious.  This decision runs of the risk of letting further whaling to take place, through the back door of marine research. The UK Government, through their influence in the Intentional Whaling Commission must do what they can to ensure this does not happen."

ENDS